EyeAF on the Leica SL? Why no discussion?

[animefx]

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I can't find a single review where they discuss the EyeAF feature on the Leica SL. Exactly how good is it compared to something like the more modern Fuji XT3 or Sony A9 cameras? Is it reliable, and what kind of limitations are there?

 

Thanks

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[tpf1952]

Here’s what I can tell you: EyeAF does work on the SL, even if the EVF does not paint a little green box around the eyes. Apparently the EyeAF feature followed publication of the owners manual, which was never updated to reflect what may have been a firmware update. Under static, reasonably well-sit settings, the SL EyeAF works really well, choosing the eye closest to the camera. The your setting changes, e.g. marginal or backlit lighting, diminished head size in the frame or rapid movement of the subject, EyeAF becomes just FaceAF and later, it just doesn’t work. 

I can’t speak for the A9, but I can speak for the XT3 and the A7RIII. EyeAF works very well on the Fuji in stills and video modes; on the Sony A7RIII, EyeAF works well in stills mode, but in video mode, face recognition is all the Sony will deliver. 

If you’re shooting portraits in good light with the SL, EyeAF is actually quite good — at least it has been for me. Regardless, I’ve stepped away from the SL. Leica’s commitment to reliable on-camera flash is lamentable, the size and development cycle of their lenses too large and too slow to meet my needs.

Tom

[jrp]

I rather agree.  It's very useful in reasonable light, but its struggles in lower light.